Binding strip



Patented Oct. 7, 1930 UNITEDIsT-ATES PATENT OFFICE HARRY G. OSBURN, F OWOSSO, MICHIGAN BINDING scum?v Application filed .Tune 9,-1924. Serial No. 718,853.

My invention relates to an improved form of foundation ribbon or stri-p and the method of making the same, and it has particular re` lation to the .provision of such a strip or ribbon which canbe used in making electrical woven with this strip, in some forms, are

fibrous, flexible members, which give longitudinal strength to the conduit and prevent disrupted; In the past the ribbon or strip member has been formed-of paper or analogous material and has been utilized in a number of different ways. Thick paper or cardboard has been cut into narrow strips, but this has been an uneconomical practice because, in order toobtain the requisite strength in the thick and narrow strips of paper, it was necessary to use a specially made paper. Obviously, the employment of a special paper strip greatly increased the cost of production.

Another formof strip comprised a round twisted member of paper. Here again it was difficult to obtain a uniform strength unless themember became so large as to make the wall of the conduit too. thick. Again, in an attempt to eventuate a suitable foundation member such a round twisted strip has been flattened. However, this latter strip also has disadvantages from a production or commercial standpoint. Among the chief of these is that the flattening of the strip tends toweaken it. Moreover, when such a twisted, flattened strip is used 4as the foundation uponwhich the 45 body of the conduit is woven, stresses are set the helical member from being pulled out or i up by the weaving which cause the aforesaid twisted paper to tend to resume its original normal cross-sectionwhich -is more or less circular. This results in a very unsatisfactory condition, particularly in a thin-walled conduit. The manner in which my invention overcomes this vdifficulty will be more clearly' understood upon reading thehereinafter de'- scription.

It is my purpose` to utilize a novel form of ribbon or strip in connection with conduits'of this character, said strip being composed of vlongitudinally folded material, and for purposes of illustratiom'l shall hereafter refer to such material as paper. It should be understood, however, that 'I do not intend to-limit myself to paper, since other material having analogous characteristics .may be used.

When a helically interior member is formed of a strip or folded paper,fin contradistinetion toa single Hat strip or a twisted paper strip, severaladvantages result. vOf course, aA Hat strip does not always have the requisite strength necessary in a member of this kind.

. Again, as above indicated, a ribbon composed of twisted paper, which must of course be flattened in order to function as a central foundation, tends to resume its originalsubstantially circular or ovalcross-section, as soon as the fibrous, cotton material, which is interwoven Y in the conduit, is pulled taut.' When my Vimproved folded strip is used, however, it is possible to make amuch thinner folded tube, land much less material is used when thin paper is folded to eventuate by ribbon.

Not only, therefore,- is a thinner-walled and'better conduit obtained when my strip is used, but an ap reciable reduction in expense is obtained. n this connection ordinary stock paper may be used. such for instance, as craft wrapping, bag, c: any of the common wrapping papers which are sold in rolls. It should also be pointed out that the paper used in a twisted ribbon must be of a special twistable type of paper which is much 9 ing paper, and

combination when used in this latter respect,

and I have hereafter directed claims thereto.

Again, as I hereinafter point out, I fold my strip in a particular manner which 'admits of the use of adhesive on the paper in an improved fashion. If it is attemptedto fold paper i-n the ordinary way, as b maka roll of it, extending longitu inally, the dies inevitably become covered with the adhesive with the resultant appreciable decrease in the speed of manufacture, as well as in the increased difficulty of cleaning the dies. As I hereafter point out,the adhesive need onl be placed on one side of my strip during its manufacture, and this on the upper side,whereby certain advantages are eventuated. I will describe in detail the aforesaid advantages when describing the ing the various steps in the processes which I employ in making my improved ribbon.

I further contemplate the insertion of reinforcin elements such as cotton, jute string, silk, or linen, wire etc., between the folds of my ribbon whereby greater ermanent strength is imparted to the'strip and, therefore, additionally contributes to its advantageous use in connection with flexible conduits. This is particularly true when the latter is used in a damp place, or where moisture is present in the air, since the helical member then holds better, particularly in a single-walled tubing.

For a better understanding' of my improved conduit ribbon and the process of making it, `reference may be had to the accompanying drawing in which i Figure 1 is a view, partially in section, of a conduit embodying m invention, the proportions being y somew at exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the same;

Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the end of my strip;

Figs. 3, 3*", 3", 3, 3, 3 and 3f are diagrammatic elevational sectional views illustratprocess whereby my improved -strip is made; d

Figs. 4, 4", 4", 4, 4, 4 and 4 are like ldiagrammatic views illustrating the steps in the process of forming my strip when reinforcing element is inserted betweenA the folds thereof;

Figs. 5, 5*, 5b, 5, 5d, 5 andrfinclusive are likewisev diagrammatic views illustrating the process of making my improved strip when the reinforcing element is inserted between the folds in a different manner from that outlined in Figs. 4 to 4t inclusive; and

Fig.. 6 `is an illustration of an improved form of my strip.

On all of the above figures the thickness of the strip is of necessity exaggerated in order to illustrate the method of folding.

I will first, for the purpose of convenience, describe the manner in which I form my improved strip, since this description will also convey to those skilled in the art the form of the finished article of manufacture.

Referring, therefore, first to Fi s. 3 to 3f A inclusive, the end of a flat strip o material 10 is shown in elevation. This strip may be fed through a machine having dies therein to cause the various folds hereinafter described, said machine also containing scoring wheels to score said strip at the desired points.

However, I am not claiming the machine formaking the strip or conduit in this application, 'such subject-matter being reserved for inclusion in a copending application. In the present application it' is my intention to coverthe article and process `of making the same. .I

I may apply adhesive, and preferably do, atthe point in my process illustrated in Fig. 3, or may do so at the next step, as illustrated in Fig, 3.

The next step in my process consists in running a scoring wheel, or other scoring 'instrument, relatively to the longitudinal dimension of the strip and on an off-center line of the latter so that when said strip is folded over onto itself to eventuate a two-ply folded portion, as shown in Fig. 3, a free margin 11 will be left outside of the two plies 12 and 13 of the folded portion.

The strip in the condition shown in Fig. 3b ,is next progressed relatively t9 another scoring instrument which scores the two-ply folded portion at substantially the middle thereof, as at 14 in Fig. 3.

rI he strip next passes through a die which folds the two-ply portion over onto itself, as shown in 3d whereby the ribbon, in cross-section at this stage' ofthe process, presents a four-plyportion, in which the two central plies have their junction very close to the junction between the two outer plies, as shown in Fig. 3d.

The free margin 11 is also as shown in this latter figure. The next die, or other analogous operating element whereby my process is practiced, folds said margin over onto the four-ply portion and, since adhesive was initially applied to thel inside portion of said margin, it having been folded over as ogous instrumentalities, which more firmly compress said flat ribbon and give it the final arranged in a helical manner and fibrous elements are interwoven therewith, as shown in Fig. 1, whereby'an electric conduit hav ing the advantages hereinbefore outlined is eventuated.

A-s before indicated, I may insert reinforcing elements between the folds of mypaper ribbon and the process whereby this isvacc'omplished is outlined in Figs. 4 to 4f', inclusive.

Referring to Fig. 4, the flat strip'is again covered with adhesive and is scored at 10, as before. A reinforcing element 15 comprising one or more strips or strings of the material heretofore indicated. is then laid` on the upper surface of the strip at the point shown, or to the left of the scoring 10, relative directions, of course, being used for illustrative purposes only. The various steps outlined in connection with the non-reinforced ribbon are `then proceeded with, whereby a ribbon having a cross-section as shown in Fig. 4f is eventuated, which ribbon may .be used as above indicatedv with distinct advantage in a single wall conduit or where there is a moisture present which might tend to affect the ribbon where paper alone is employed.

In Figs. 5 to 5f inclusive, I have illustrated what may at times be a preferred process of inserting the reinforcing element. In this latter process, the said reinforcing element is arranged between the two central plies of the folded paper and is, moreover, firmly fixed therein by reason of said disposition.

Referring to Figs. 5 to 5t inclusive, the first three steps of the process are substantially the same as when a non-reinforced ribbon isformed. However, as shown'in Fig. 5, the reinforcing elements are laid upon the two-ply portion and to the left of the scoringl mark on said portion. When, therefore, the two-ply portion is turned over upon itself as shown in-Fig. 5d, the reinforcing elements are between the two central plies.

My process additionally contemplates the application of gdhesive toV thereinforcing elements as they are laid onto the strip. Because of this fact,adhesive is carried in between the central plies of-the folded ribbon whereby said plies are secured firmly together, as Well as to the reinforcing element, as shown in Fig. 5". j It will, therefore, be apparent, remembering that adhesive was originally applied to the top surface of the strip before any folding, thatall'of the plies arecemented to each other and to the reinforcing element, a result, which so far as I am awa-re, 1 s impossible of attainment unless the strlp 1s folded as contemplatedby my invention, since otherwise it would be necessary to apply adhesive to both sides of the strip, whereby the dies 1 and other portions of the machine would become sticky and the speed of operationwould be materially slowed up. This latter ribbon may of course be also employed in a conduit as indicated, and when so employed eventuates a conduit of decidedly improved characteristics as regards strength, decreased use of material, and low cost.

In Fig. 6 I have shown a reinforcing ele-- ment wrapped with a helically disposed serving of paper to ev-ent'uate a stri which is quite useful vespecially as an artificial ,cane in the manufacture of furniture or the like.

lrVhile I have described a plurality of embodiments of my invention, it is apparent that many modifications therein may occur to those skilled in the art, and I desire that the same be limited only by thescope of the prior art and by the appended claims.

Having described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. As a new ,article of manufacture, a

ribbon composed of a strip of iiexible material, said strip being folded longitudinally of the length thereof partly upon itself twice in the same direction to form a folded ribbon lcomprising four plies, and the remaining por- `tion being folded over on top of lSaid four ing a reinforcement consisting of a continuous `fibrous material contained between two of the inner plies of said folded paper strips.

4. As a new article of manufacture, a mul tiple-ply ribbon composed of a strip of paper folded longitudinally of its length to eventuate'flve plies, anda flexible reinforcement i member inserted 'centrally of the plies of said ribbon,

5, The method of forming a multiple-ply Aiexible ribbon which comprises twice folding a strip of material in a direction longitudina1- ly of itself at a point to one side of the center line of said strip, thereby leaving a free margin, and thereafter folding said margin over on top of said folded portion to secure the folds together.

6. The method of forming a multiple-ply flexible strip which comprises folding a strip of'material in a direction longitudinally of itself, at a oint to one side of the center line of said strlp, thereby leaving a free margin,

lit

then again folding said first folded ortion on substantially the center line of sai first folded portion, to eventuate a four-ply vribbon, and thereafter securing said margin over the to of said plies.

7. 'lphe method of forming a multiple-ply flexible ribbon which comprises longitudinally scoring a strip of material of an off-center line of said strip, folding said strip upon itself on said scoring thereby leaving a margin, scoring said two-ply portion of said Strip at substantially the center line thereof, folding said two-ply portion upon itself at said last scoring to eventuatea four-ply portion, and turning said margin up and over said multiple-ply portion to secure the folds. thereof to ether.

8. he method of forming a multiple-ply flexible strip which comprises applying an adhesive to one surface of a strip of material, longitudinally scoring said strip on an ofi'- center line of said strip, folding said strip uponitself on said scoring thereby leaving a margin, scoring said two-ply portion of said strip at substantially the center line' thereof, folding said two-ply portion upon itself at-said last scoring to eventuate a four-ply portion, and turning said margin up and over said multiple-ply portion to secure the folds thereof together.

9. The method of forming a multiple-ply flexible ribbon which comprises laying out a strip of material, folding said stri upon itself at an olf-center longitudinal line, turning up a margin over said folded portion to secure the Whole together, and incorporating geinforcing element within said folded rib- 10. The method of forming a multiple-ply semi-flexible ribbon which comprises folding a strip of materialupon itself at an odcenter longitudinal line, a reinforcing element to which adhesive has been applied being incorporated in said ribbon, the adhesive being carried between the folds of said material by said folding to promote the adherence thereof, and turning up a margin over said folded portion to secure the whole together, said, reinforcing element being thereby contained within said folded ribbon.

11. The method of forming a multiple-ply flexible strip which comprises folding a strip of material longitudinally upon itself along an olf-center line to eventuate a two-ply portion and a free margin, laying a reinforcing element upon said two-ply portion, folding the latter upon substantially a longitudinal center line thereof, whereby a four-ply portion having the' reinforcing element between the two central plies is formed, and thereafter turning said margin over onto said folded portion.

12. The method of forming amultiple-ply flexible strip which comprises applying adhesive to a strip of material, folding a strip of material longitudinally of an off-center line upon itself to eventuate a two-ply portion and a free margin, laying a reinforcing element to which adhesive has been applied upon said two-ply portion, folding the latter upon substantially a longitudinal center line thereof whereby a four-ply portion having the reinforcing element secured between the two central plies is formed, the latter being secured together and to the said element by the adhesive carried by the latter, and thereafter turning said margin over onto said folded portion.

13. As an article of manufacture, a ribbon composed of a strip of flexible material double folded longitudinally along one side forming a four ply lamination, and having the other 4side folded over the top of said four plies and forming a fifth ply.

14. As an article of manufacture, a ribbon composed of a strip of flexible material folded and refolded longitudinally along one side forming a four ply lamination, and having the other side folded upon and secured to the to-p ply of said lamination.

15. As an article of manufacture, a laminated ribbon composed of a strip of flexible material having a portion of its width folded upon itself and having said folded portion refolded upon itself one or more times, and having the other portion of its width folded over u on the top ply of said folded portion.

16. s an article of manufacture, a ribbon comprising a strip of flexible material having a portion of its width doubled and redoubled upon itself forming a four .ply lamination, and having the other portion of its width folded over upon theltop ply of said lamination, and a reinforcing member of greater tensile strength than said material disposed longitudinally between some of said lies. p 17. As an article of manufacture, a ribbon comprising a strip of flexible material having a portion of its width doubled and redoubled upon itself forming a four ply lannnation, and. having the other portion of its width folded over upon the top-ply of said lamination, and reinforcing members of greater tensile strength than 'said material disposed longitudinally between some of said lies. V p 18. As an article of manufacture, a laminated ribbon comprising a strip of flexible material having a portion of its width folded upon itself and having said folded portion refolded upon itself oneor more times, and having the other portion of said width folded over upon the top ply of said folded portion, and continuous reinforcing means of greater tensile strength than said material disposed longitudinally between some of said laminations.

19. The method of forming a laminated ribbon which consists in folding a portion of the width of a strip of iexible material, and refolding the folded portion inwardly upon itself one or more times, and folding the other portion of the Width over upon the top ply of the folded portion.

20. The method of forming a laminated ribbon whic-hoonsists in folding a portion of the width of a strip of iexible material, and refolding the folded portion inwardly upon itself one or more times, and folding the other portion of the width over upon and securing the same to the top ply of the folded portion.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name.

- HARRY G. OSBURN. 

